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After getting all of the prescription medications needed to help prevent another stroke and spending the hours needed each week to work on your muscles in rehabilitation, maybe you want to take a more relaxed approach for some of your stroke treatment.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) focuses on non-traditional treatments, which may be used instead of or in addition to traditional stroke treatment and therapy. Considering alternative stroke treatment doesn't mean that you need to — or should — abandon your doctor's recommendations for treatment. But alternative stroke treatment can add variety to your therapy routine, improve your mental health, and perhaps even help coax your body into healing.

Alternative Stroke Treatment: What Works?

Alternative stroke treatment may not work for everyone, but typically, it's not going to hurt — as long as your doctor has given you the go-ahead to try these approaches in addition to following your prescribed medications and therapy. Here are some alternative stroke treatment ideas you can consider, and how they can help:

Acupuncture.Acupuncture is an ancient practice in which tiny needles are inserted painlessly in the skin at designated points to stimulate your body's nerves and muscles. Acupuncture can help to relieve pain and get your blood flowing more — and balance your energy, Asian cultures believe. Acupuncture can be used to help treat difficulties with language and swallowing, as well as paralysis. Acupuncture is a common part of stroke treatment in Japan and China.

Massage. A study in Hong Kong found that regular massage lowered blood pressure and heart rate in stroke patients, and also eased anxiety. Massage is known to help with stress reduction and combat feelings of depression, both of which are common emotional health concerns of stroke patients. Keeping stress and depression under control is an important part of stroke treatment, for both mental and physical well-being.

Herbal medicines. There are studies being done to determine whether commonly used Chinese herbal medicines are actually effective as stroke treatments. It is thought that these medicines may boost blood flow in the brain and offer other protective benefits against ischemic stroke. But use caution: Further testing needs to be done because studies to date just don't show enough evidence to either support or oppose using these medications. Some herbal medicines that need further study include Ginkgo biloba, Mailuoning, Xuesetong, Ligustrazine, and Acanthopanax.

Aromatherapy. The benefits of aromatherapy as stroke treatment have not been extensively studied, but one very small recent study did consider the use of aromatherapy along with acupressure (another alternative method involving applying pressure to certain points on the body to relieve pain and other symptoms). Researchers used lavender, peppermint, and rosemary fragrances in conjunction with acupressure, and found that it relieved pain better than acupressure without aromatherapy.

Tai chi and yoga. Tai chi is a martial art that requires balance and the use of both sides of the brain. This soothing form of exercise makes the mind and body work together to perform coordinated movements, which can benefit stroke patients. Yoga is a great stress reducer, and it may also help improve speech, balance, and dexterity. An extremely small recent study found that stroke patients saw benefit in each of those areas after taking consistent yoga classes.

Alternative Stroke Treatment: Getting Started

None of these treatments should replace your conventional medication and therapy regimen. But if you're looking for different ways to extend your rehabilitation, alternative therapy may provide additional benefits and aid in your recovery.

You should never try any alternative therapies without first consulting your doctor. They may not be safe for people with some health conditions or who are taking certain medications, including blood thinners. Also make sure you only receive alternative treatments only from a certified, licensed therapist who is aware of your health conditions and prescribed medications.

If it's safe for you, consider exploring the world of ancient and modern alternative treatments, and see if they offer you even more benefit as you recover from stroke.

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